IT’S BACK. Rumour has it the new series of Downton Abbey will bring an in-law across the Pond to give the Dowager Countess of Grantham a run for her money. But until we meet our new nemesis, we’d like to pay a little homage to the Dowager Countess we already know and love. Dame Maggie Smith is so magnificent as the acid-tongued Violet, she was given the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Mini-series in 2011.
We’ve no doubt our own Dame will remain on fine form in 2012. But for now, here are seven of Lady Grantham’s most magnificently spiky quotes from the period drama…
1. Lady Grantham meets kindly Isobel Crawley for the first time
Mrs Crawley: “What should we call each other?”
Lady Grantham: “Well, we could always start with Mrs Crawley and Lady Grantham.”
2. Lady Sybil has attended a political meeting, Lady Grantham isn’t very impressed
Lady Mary: “Sybil is entitled to her opinions.”
Lady Grantham: “No. She isn’t until she is married, then her husband will tell her what her opinions are.”
3. Lady Grantham shoots the breeze with her nemesis Isobel Crawley
Lady Grantham: “You are quite wonderful the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming zeal.”
Mrs Crawley: “I take that as a compliment.”
Lady Grantham: “I must have said it wrong.”
4. Lady Grantham sticks a boot into “the help”
Lord Grantham: “We better go in soon or it isn’t fair to Mrs Patmore.”
Lady Grantham: “Oh, is her cooking so precisely timed? You couldn’t tell.”
5. Lady Grantham sums up her relationship with her American daughter-in-law
Cora: “Are we to be friends then?”
Lady Grantham: “We are allies, my dear, which can be a good deal more effective.”
6. Lady Grantham confirms suspicions about the questionable upper class work ethic
Lady Grantham: “What is a weekend?”
7. Lady Grantham and Cora spot Downton heir Matthew’s new fiancée
Lady Grantham: “So, that’s Mary’s replacement. Well, I suppose looks aren’t everything.”
Cora: “I think she seems rather sweet. I’m afraid meeting us all together must be very intimidating.”
Lady Grantham: “I do hope so.”
Downton Abbey Series 1 is available On Demand from 12 January.
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